On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu officially promoted Acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, to the rank of Lieutenant General.
In a ceremony at the State House in Abuja, the President decorated Oluyede with his new rank, recognizing his service and commitment to the Nigerian military.
A statement from the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that Tinubu elevated Oluyede as a testament to his dedication and exemplary record within the armed forces. The President praised Oluyede’s steadfast service and expressed gratitude to the military for its resilience and patriotism in safeguarding national security.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to decorate you today,” President Tinubu remarked, underscoring the significance of Oluyede’s achievements. “Your dedication to Nigeria’s military speaks volumes, and this recognition reflects your unwavering service to the nation,” he added.
The President further assured the armed forces of the government’s support, noting that their efforts have brought stability to the country despite prevailing challenges. Tinubu highlighted the synergy among the service chiefs as a major factor in recent gains against terrorism and insecurity, urging them to maintain this cooperation to foster continued peace and prosperity.
“The unity among you has brought calm to our nation, and we need this stability to continue. We want all Nigerians to feel that a brighter future is within reach,” Tinubu stated.
In response, Lt. Gen. Oluyede expressed heartfelt gratitude and acknowledged the honor of the occasion, pledging to uphold the vision of the Nigerian Army under Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and to remain committed to ensuring peace across the country.
Prior to his new role, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna. A member of the 39th Regular Course alongside Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, Oluyede began his career with a commission as a second lieutenant in 1992 (retroactive to 1987) and attained the rank of Major General in 2020.
Throughout his career, Oluyede has held multiple command positions, including Platoon Commander and adjutant of the 65 Battalion, Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer with the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School. He has also participated in several notable operations, such as the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in Nigeria’s North East, where he led the 27 Task Force Brigade.
